| 1 | <HTML>
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| 2 | <!-- This file is part of the HTML Reference Library ('HTMLib') -->
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| 3 | <!-- It should not be used outside of the HTMLib package -->
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| 4 | <!-- The HTMLib is © 1995-1997 Stephen Le Hunte -->
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| 5 | <!-- htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk -->
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| 6 | <HEAD>
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| 7 | <LINK REL="stylesheet" HREF="../style.css" TYPE="text/css">
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| 8 | <TITLE>Introduction to the HTMLib</TITLE>
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| 9 | </HEAD>
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| 10 | <BODY TOPMARGIN="0" BGCOLOR="#FFFFE0" TEXT="#000000" xOnLoad="top.JSLoadNSR('conts/welcome.htm','HTMLib_title')">
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| 11 | <CENTER>
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| 12 | <SPAN CLASS="NSRtitle">Introduction to the HTMLib</SPAN>
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| 13 | </CENTER>
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| 14 | <P>To access information about any HTML element, locate it via the Index (accesible from the Index button, or View menu) and it's details and examples will be displayed in this window. If you are just browsing the information, then use the 'Contents' page (accessible from the Contents button, or View menu) to go to overviews of HTML sections.
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| 15 | <P><A NAME="docconv" STYLE="{color : #000000}"><STRONG><EM>HTML Reference Library Conventions</EM></STRONG></A>
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| 16 | <BR>In all of the reference pages, I have tried to make it easy to distinguish example code from the explanatory text, by displaying any example HTML code in an <SPAN CLASS="egcode">italic green font</SPAN>, with the relevant code being described being bold text. Also, on a page detailing an element that has several attributes, the first time each attribute is mentioned, it will be in a <SPAN CLASS="attr">Bold, Maroon</SPAN> font.
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| 17 | <P>Within the HTMLHelp HTMLib, there are two types of hyperlinks. <EM>Internal</EM> hyperlinks are those that take you to a different topic inside the HTMLib. They appear <SPAN STYLE="{color : #008000; text-decoration : underline}">like this</SPAN>. <EM>External</EM> links are links that take you to a <EM>remote</EM> Web site. For these links, a separate copy of Internet Explorer will navigate to the remote link, leaving the HTMLib still available. External links appear <SPAN STYLE="{color : #0000FF; text-decoration : underline}">like this.</SPAN> Note that only one external Internet Explorer will be used by the HTMLib, with the running instance being 'Stopped' before the new external link is loaded. If you want more than one external copy of Internet Explorer running at any one time, then open a separate copy manually and use the URL given in the HTMLib for the new document. If you already have Internet Explorer running when any HTMLib external links are activated, a new instance (under the control of the HTMLib) of Internet Explorer will be used to navigate to the links given in the HTMLib.
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| 18 | <P>Where a page uses examples that are completely browser dependant and no display workaround was possible, then a graphic for the particular browser required will be visible at the top of the page, surrounding the heading. I hope this doesn't cause too many problems.
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| 19 |
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| 20 | <P><A NAME="what" STYLE="{color : #000000}"><STRONG><EM>What the HTMLib is and isn't</EM></STRONG></A><BR>
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| 21 | The HTMLib <STRONG><EM>is</EM></STRONG> the most comprehensive guide to currently useable HTML elements available. Where other reference material falls down is that it details (normally without examples) all HTML elements covered in various HTML specifications originating from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). While most of the elements in such specifications have been adopted by browsers, a lot haven't (particularly in the case of the ill-fated HTML 3.0 specification). There is no point in documenting such elements in a <EM>useable</EM> reference. So, the HTMLib covers only those elements that have been adopted by browsers and attempts to detail the level of support for those elements. It's secondary aim is to provide a single location for such documentation, to eliminate the need for expensive on-line checking of browser support for HTML elements.
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| 22 | <P>The HTMLib <STRONG><EM>isn't</EM></STRONG> designed to replace <EM>any</EM> of the W3C specification documents, or documentation provided by browser vendors. This is particularly the case when considering the HTMLib Scripting reference. Scripting is largely the <EM>programming</EM> side of HTML and as such relies on the imagination and skill of the script author to produce almost limitless effects. While you are still constrained by browser support for scripting capabilities, this gap is less than the cavernous gulf between the HTML capabilities of browsers. Where external links to other reference material are given, the reader is encouraged to check the documentation, as such links imply that the particular section of information in the HTMLib is condensed.
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| 23 |
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| 24 | <P><A NAME="contact" STYLE="{color : #000000}"><STRONG><EM>Contacting the Author</EM></STRONG></A><BR>
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| 25 | If you have any questions regarding the HTMLib please direct them to me at <A HREF="mailto:htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Mail the author'">htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk</A>. If you have any general HTML related questions, please try the <A HREF="http://hjs.geol.uib.no/webstart.htm" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the HTMLibrd conference'">HTMLibrd</A> - a web based discussion group for the HTMLib.
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| 26 |
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| 27 | <P><A NAME="licence" STYLE="{color : #000000}"><STRONG><EM>Licensing terms</EM></STRONG></A>
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| 28 | <BR>
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| 29 | This version of the HTMLib was prepared especially for the Allaire Corporation, for inclusion in HomeSite, ColdFusion and ColdFusion studio. It's re-distribution rights are as described in the re-distribution rights for the larger products of which the HTMLib is a component.
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| 30 | There is also a shareware version of the HTMLib, which may be re-distributed. Details of the licence/re-distribution terms and registration procedures for the shareware version of the HTMLib may be found within that version, details of which can always be found at the HTMLib web site at <A HREF="http://www.htmlib.com" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit the HTMLib web site'">http://www.htmlib.com</A>.<BR>
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| 31 | All comments, questions etc., should be directed to me at <A HREF="mailto:htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Mail the author'">htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk</A>. Also use that address if you wish to be placed on the mailing list for update news about the HTMLib.
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| 32 |
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| 33 | <P><A NAME="ack" STYLE="{color : #000000}"><STRONG><EM>Acknowledgements</EM></STRONG></A><BR>
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| 34 | Here is the <EM>'without whom...'</EM> section of the HTML Reference Library. People mentioned here (in no particular order) have made invaluable contributions to the HTML Reference Library over the course of its life so far, and to them I am eternally grateful.
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| 35 |
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| 36 | <P ALIGN="right">
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| 37 | <TABLE WIDTH="98%">
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| 38 | <TR>
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| 39 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Hayley, for enduring hours of inane HTMLib related babble.</TD>
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| 40 | </TR>
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| 41 | <TR>
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| 42 | <TD VALIGN="Top"><A HREF="http://www.wols.demon.co.uk" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Forward Web Design'">Nick</A>, for loads of advice.</TD>
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| 43 | </TR>
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| 44 | <TR>
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| 45 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Nona, for being the best host honeymooners could ask for ;)</TD>
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| 46 | </TR>
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| 47 | <TR>
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| 48 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Jeff, Gale, Steve L., John and Ralph at <A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Microsoft Web Site'">Microsoft</A>, for loads of help, advice and top tips.</TD>
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| 49 | </TR>
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| 50 | <TR>
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| 51 | <TD VALIGN="Top"><A HREF="http://hjs.geol.uib.no/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Eureka'">Hans</A>, for producing a top quality mirror for downloading the HTMLib (and providing the space and registration procedures for beta downloads). Also, for providing the HTMLibrd, a Web based conference for discussion about the HTMLib and HTML issues. Visit it at <A HREF="http://hjs.geol.uib.no/webstart.htm" CLASS="external" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the HTMLibrd conference Web Site'">http://hjs.geol.uib.no/webstart.htm</A>.</TD>
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| 52 | </TR>
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| 53 | <TR>
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| 54 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Steve at <A HREF="http://www.sausage.com" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Sausage Software Web Site'">Sausage Software</A>, Frank at FLFSoft, Adam at <A HREF="http://www.sq.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the SoftQuad Web Site'">SoftQuad</A>, Art at <A HREF="http://www.ist.ca/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the IST Web Site'">IST</A>, Todd at <A HREF="http://www.amcyber.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the American Cybernetics Web Site'">American Cybernetics.</A> and Francis at <A HREF="http://www.ieinc.com" CLASS="external" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Intelligent Environments Web Site'">Intelligent Environments Inc.</A></TD>
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| 55 | </TR>
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| 56 | <TR>
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| 57 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Mark West at Questar Microsystems.</TD>
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| 58 | </TR>
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| 59 | <TR>
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| 60 | <TD VALIGN="Top"><A HREF="http://www.firstrain.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the First Train Web Site'">Cub Lea</A>, for valuable WinHelp related advice.</TD>
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| 61 | </TR>
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| 62 | <TR>
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| 63 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Mark at <A HREF="http://www.mcp.com/publishers/sams/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Sams.Net Web Site'">Sams.Net</A> and Gina (formerly) at <A HREF="http://www.wrox.co.uk/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Wrox Press Web Site'">Wrox Press</A></TD>
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| 64 | </TR>
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| 65 | <TR>
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| 66 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Steve Pruitt at, for his tireless help on the WinHelp mailing list and particularly for advice about the Activated HTMLib portion of the <A HREF="http://www.htmlib.com" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the HTMLib Web Site'">HTMLib Web Site</A>.</TD>
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| 67 | </TR>
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| 68 | <TR>
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| 69 | <TD VALIGN="Top"><A HREF="http://www.he.net/~chrisn/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit Christians site'">Christian</A>, for his help/advice about the HTMLib Web Site.</TD>
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| 70 | </TR>
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| 71 | <TR>
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| 72 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Ben Weisner, of the <A HREF="http://www.weisner.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Weisner Associates Web Site'">Weisner Associates</A>, for production of the Help Authors Resource Kit. Michael Cessna of <A HREF="http://www.wordmission.org/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Word Mission Foundation Web Site'">http://www.wordmission.org/</A>, for invaluable help, advice and for being a knowledge fountain.</TD>
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| 73 | </TR>
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| 74 | <TR>
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| 75 | <TD VALIGN="Top"><A HREF="http://www.blooberry.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to index dot html'">Brian</A>, for help and advice about the HTMLib. Visit <A HREF="http://www.blooberry.com/indexdot/html/index.html" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to index dot html'">'index dot HTML'</A>, for the nearest to a Web based HTMLib that there is.</TD>
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| 76 | </TR>
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| 77 | <TR>
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| 78 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Niall at <A HREF="http://www.installshield.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the InstallShield Web Site'">InstallShield</A>, for his help concerning the InstallShield software used for the HTMLib installation routine.</TD>
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| 79 | </TR>
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| 80 | <TR>
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| 81 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Jeff for mirroring the complete HTMLib Web site at <A HREF="http://www.terminalp.com/htmlib/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the US mirror of the HTMLib Web Site'">http://www.terminalp.com/htmlib/</A>. Also, Ken for the other US mirror. Visit it at <A HREF="http://www.arachne.net/htmlib/" CLASS="external" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Arachne Net HTMLib mirror site'">http://www.arachne.net/htmlib/</A></TD>
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| 82 | </TR>
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| 83 | <TR>
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| 84 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Nick Bradbury, Steve Gilson and Dennis Carothers (all at <A HREF="http://www.allaire.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Allaire Web Site'">http://www.allaire.com/</A>), for their tireless work on the range of Allaire products, used throughout the development of the HTMLib.</TD>
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| 85 | </TR>
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| 86 | <TR>
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| 87 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Peter, Al and everyone at <A HREF="http://www.q4.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit the Q4 Web Site'">Q4</A>, producers of DESL. Highly talented UK developers and great Defender players.</TD>
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| 88 | </TR>
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| 89 | <TR>
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| 90 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Scott Boggan of Walker Richer Quinn, Cheryl Lockett Zuback of <A HREF="http://www.workwrite.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit Workwrite'">Workwrite</A> and William Meisheid of <A HREF="http://www.sageline.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit Sageline Publishing'">Sageline Publishing</A> for encouragement and exposure</TD>
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| 91 | </TR>
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| 92 | <TR>
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| 93 | <TD VALIGN="Top">Joe Welinske of <A HREF="http://www.winwriters.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit WinWriters'">Winwriters</A> and Matthew Ellison of <A HREF="http://www.digitext.co.uk/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Visit DigiText'">DigiText</A> for encouragement and taking pity on a poor student</TD>
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| 94 | </TR>
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| 95 | <TR>
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| 96 | <TD VALIGN="Top"><A HREF="http://www.samworthbrothers.co.uk/ginsters/index.html" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external">Ginsters</A> for the best Cornish pasties money can buy (outside of Cornwall). Note that this is 'pasties' as in the traditional Cornish culinary delicacy, and <EM>not</EM> a strippers breast accoutrements.</TD>
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| 97 | </TR>
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| 98 | </TABLE>
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| 99 |
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| 100 |
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| 101 | <P><A NAME="trade" STYLE="{color : #000000}"><STRONG><EM>Copyright and Trademarks</EM></STRONG></A><BR>
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| 102 | This HTML Reference Library and the names 'The HTML Reference Library', 'HTMLib', 'The HTMLib Colour Wizard', 'The Activated Colour Wizard' and the Colour Wizard ActiveX control and Java applet are all © 1995-1997, Stephen Le Hunte (<A HREF="mailto:htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Mail the author'">htmlib@htmlib.demon.co.uk</A>)
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| 103 | <P>Netscape is a registered trademark of Netscape Communications Corp. Updated information about any of the Netscape products mentioned in this reference (Netscape Navigator, Communicator, JavaScript, Plug-in information etc.) can always be found at the Netscape Web site : <A HREF="http://www.netscape.com" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Netscape Web Site'">http://www.netscape.com</A>
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| 104 | <P>Windows, Windows95, ActiveX, ActiveMovie, ActiveVRML, Visual Basic, Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript), JScript (Microsoft's JavaScript implementation), Internet Assistant, Internet Explorer and HTMLHelp are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. More information about these products/technologies can be found at the Microsoft Web site at <A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Microsoft Web Site'">http://www.microsoft.com/</A>. Portions of this reference are reprinted with permission granted by the Microsoft Corporation.
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| 105 | <P>The Server Side Includes section of this document is taken from information kindly provided by Mark West of Questar Microsystems Inc.
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| 106 | <P>Java and HotJava are trademarks of Sun Microsystems in the US and/or other countries. For more information about these products/technologies can be found at either <A HREF="http://java.sun.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Sun Java Web Site'">http://java.sun.com/</A> or <A HREF="http://www.javasoft.com/" TARGET="HTMLibExternal" CLASS="external" OnMouseOver="top.status='Go to the Javasoft Web Site'">http://www.javasoft.com/</A>.
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| 107 | <P>All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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| 108 |
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| 109 | <P ALIGN="right" CLASS="copyright">© 1995-1997, Stephen Le Hunte</P>
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| 110 | </BODY>
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| 111 | </HTML>
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| 112 |
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